Lech Walesa

Walesa, Lech (1943– ), president of Poland (1991–95). In 1980 he led the Polish labor movement in its struggle to win government recognition of Solidarity (an umbrella labor group composed of about 50 trade unions)—the first time a Communist government had recognized an independent labor organization. In a 1981 military crackdown, the Polish government banned Solidarity and interned Walesa. He was released in 1982 and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. In the upheavals of 1989, Solidarity was revived, and Walesa played a key role in establishing the new non-Communist Polish government.

See also: Poland.